From Holiday Cookies to Curated Cookbooks: More of the Story Behind For Goodness Bakes!

For Goodness Bakes! officially launched on September 14 at the 2nd Sunday Market at Venn Brewing in Minneapolis. So, I thought I would share a little more about the inspiration behind For Goodness Bakes! While the memories of baking with my mom and grandmas are a cornerstone, another huge part of the story starts with my best friend, Brian.

For many years, Brian and I have had a cherished tradition: the Saturday after Thanksgiving is our holiday baking day. We take over his kitchen, turn up the holiday music, and spend the entire day mixing, rolling, and baking. We’ve tried countless recipes over the years—some were… interesting (we learn!), while others have become beloved mainstays that we simply must make every year. That feeling of connection, of creating something together, of honoring a tradition—that warmth is exactly what For Goodness Bakes! is all about.

Last fall, I was looking to add a few new ideas to our baking rotation and joined a holiday cookie group on Facebook. This was a delightful rabbit hole! It quickly led me to another group for cookbook collectors, and I was instantly smitten. I decided to start building my own personal library, and the best way to do that, I figured, was by thrifting. The thrill of the hunt was so much fun! I’d spend hours digging through shelves at local thrift stores, and I was amazed by what I found.

It was in those stacks of pre-loved books that the idea for this business truly clicked. Holding a vintage Pillsbury Bake-Off booklet or a well-loved Betty Crocker’s Picture Cook Book with notes in the margins from the prior owner felt like holding a piece of our shared Minneapolis history. These weren’t just recipes; they were time capsules. I realized that my joy came from two places: the act of baking with loved ones (like my tradition with Brian) and the history held in these upcycled cookbooks. For Goodness Bakes! was born right at that intersection—a way to package that joy, history, and connection for you.

Every curated gift set is my way of passing that feeling on. It’s the joy of finding a special, upcycled cookbook, the warmth of a handmade apron, and the tools to get you started. It’s an invitation to honor the past and, more importantly, to create brand new memories in your own kitchen.

I’d love to hear about your own baking traditions! What recipe or holiday treat instantly brings you back to a kitchen filled with love?